Pittsburgh shortstop Clint Barmes throws to first after forcing out Cincinnati's Joey Votto at second base Saturday. The Pirates swept the Reds to set up Tuesday's Wild Card game in Pittsburgh.

Written by

John Erardi
Cincinnati Enquirer

Count Reds first baseman Joey Votto as a fan of MLB's new two-wild card format.

"We wouldn't even be in the playoffs right now if it wasn't for (the second wild card)," he said. "We'd be packing our bags (after Sunday)."

Which brings us to Tuesday's one-game playoff in Pittsburgh, which will determine whether the Reds or the Pirates advance to play either St. Louis or Atlanta in a National League Divisional Series. ...